Hair Extension And Method of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A hair extension is provided that includes a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end; and a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element and a second strand end. The first end of the flexible element is connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop. A method is further provided of applying a hair extension to a user&#39;s head, the hair extension being flexible. The method includes providing a hair extension having a length of a flexible element connectable to define a head application loop and a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element; dividing hair on the user&#39;s head, creating a part; applying the flexible fabric portion of the hair extension to the part; and gathering the hair the user&#39;s head over the hair extension to style as desired. A method of assembling a hair extension is further provided.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hair extensions and methods for applying hair extensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair extensions are applied to natural hair for addition length, volume and other visual features. Hair extensions often require permanent or semi-permanent fasters which may require assistance to affix the hair extension to the scalp. Hair extensions can be affixed to the scalp using rigid devices which can be uncomfortable for the user. Hair extensions applied using rigid devices have a tendency for the device to show through the hair. Fastening a hair extension to existing hair can also compromise the integrity of the existing hair by breaking it or pulling it out.

Hair extensions have been invented that are affixed to the user's head with a foundation piece (U.S. Pat. No. 57,328), or a rigid ring (U.S. Pat. No. 541,125). Hair extensions have been secured directly to an elastic band which limits the amount of hair strands available for the hair extension (U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,211). Other hair extensions are known in the form of ponytail hair extensions that are placed over the user's existing hair.

SUMMARY

A hair extension is provided, comprising a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end; and a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element and a second strand end. The first end of the flexible element is connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop.

A method is further provided of applying a hair extension to a user's head, said hair extension being flexible. The method comprises the steps of providing a hair extension comprising of a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end and a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element and a second strand end wherein the first end of the flexible element is connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop; dividing hair on the user's head, creating a part; applying the flexible fabric portion of the hair extension to the part; and gathering the hair the user's head over the hair extension to style as desired.

A method of assembling a hair extension is further still provided. The method comprises of the steps of providing a length of hair strands having a first strand end and a second strand end; providing a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end; affixing the strands of hair to the flexible element; and connecting the first end and second end of the flexible element to create a head application loop;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further, detailed, description of the invention, briefly described above, will follow by reference to the following drawings of specific embodiments of the invention. The drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a hair extension of the present invention showing a head application loop and wherein the hair strands are gathered below the head application loop;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the hair extension of FIG. 1 showing the head application loop;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a hair extension of the present invention, showing a head application loop wherein the head application loop is covered with a covering and hair strands are gathered below the head application loop;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective of the hair extension of FIG. 3 wherein the hair strands are gathered below the head application loop;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a hair extension of the present invention wherein the hair strands are covered, by an adhesive to form a hair application loop and gathered below the head application loop;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of one example of application of the hair extension by parting the natural hair and applying the hair extension to the user's part;

FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension where the natural hair of the user covers at least a part of the hair extension;

FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension where the user's hair is gathered around the hair extension; and

FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension where the user's hair is gathered around the hair extension and the hair extension is held in place.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to hair extensions and methods for applying hair extensions. More specifically to hair extensions that do not use fasteners like clips or pins or the like.

The present invention serves to create a fuller effect, so that visually the user's hair has greater body upon application. This enables users with thinning hair to have the illusion of thickness and users with short hair to have the illusion of length.

The description that follows and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of various aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention in its various aspects.

An first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 which shows a front perspective view of the hair extension 1. The hair extension 1 comprises a length of a plurality of hair strands 10, having a first strand end 12 and a second strand end 14. The first strand ends 12 are gathered and arranged to form a head application loop 30.

In one embodiment, the hair strands 1 are applied to a length of a flexible element 20. The flexible element 20 is preferably soft, more preferably a fabric, or a cloth band, elastic band, ribbon, braid, cord, rope, strap, leather, suede, netting, flexible or elastic silicone cord or string. The flexible element 20 is optionally comprised of various fibers or other textiles. The flexible element 20, having a first end 26 and second end 28, is connected to define the head application loop 30. The hair strands 10 can optionally be gathered 40 below the head application loop 30.

In a further embodiment, it may be that the head application loop 30, as formed by a flexible element 20 or otherwise, has a minimum amount of rigidity and is formed in a shape to fit a contour of the user's head. More particularly, the flexible element 20 or the head application loop 30 may be curved somewhat to fit a curve of a user's head. In such cases, the element 20 or the curvature head application loop 30 may be customized for a particular user, or a number of different curvatures may be more generically made that could be selected from, based on a user's head shape.

FIG. 2 illustrates the plan view of the hair extension 1 from FIG. 1 without the hair strands 10 being gathered below the head application loop 30. The hair strands 10 are applied to the length of the flexible element 20. Strands can be sewn, woven, adhered, melted, patched, hooked, tied, braided, bonded, or bound to the flexible element 20. The quantity of hair stands 10 could be increased or decreased depending on the desired thickness of the hair extension 1. Fake or real hair can be used for hair strands 10. The head application loop 30 is defined by the flexible element 20 which is connected 22 first end 26 to second end 28. The nature or mechanism of the connection 22 of first end 26 can be sewn, woven, adhered, melted, patched, hooked, tied, braided, bonded, or bound to the second end 28 of the flexible element 20.

A preferable embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows a front perspective view of the hair extension 1 from FIG. 1 with an optional covering. The head application loop 30 is covered by a covering 50. The covering 50 may be a flexible or semi-flexible element that can be fabric, cloth, non-woven material, leather, suede, hide, netting, spandex, knit, flexible silicone cap, or another textile. The covering 50 is preferably applied by sewing it to the flexible element in the desired shape of the head application loop 30. The covering 50 could also be woven, adhered, melted, patched, adhered, hooked, tied, braided, or bound to the head application loop 30.

In a further optional embodiment, the covering 50 can be configured to also form the flexible element 20. In such case the first strand ends 12 of the hair strands 10 can be applied to an outer edge 52 of the covering 50. In this way, head application loop 30 could be formed by the outer edge 52 of the covering 50 and no separate flexible element 20 is required.

An optional embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated in FIG. 4 which shows a rear perspective of the hair extension 1. The hair strands 10 can optionally be gathered 40 below the head application loop 30.

In a further optional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 5, the head application loop 30 is defined by an adhesive element 24. The adhesive element is preferably silicon, glue, wax, amber, resin, low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, tar, fibrous adhesive, adhesive, or a combination of any of these. In this case, the first strand ends 12 of the hair strands 10 are adhered together to form the application loop 30. The hair strands 10 can optionally be gathered 40 below the head application loop 30. The adhesive element 24 can optionally be covered by a covering 50.

A preferable method of application of the hair extension 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9 which shows a rear perspective view of a wearer's head. The head application loop 30 is applied to user's part 60 by parting hair 70 the user's head. In applying the head application loop 30, no clips, weaves or other fastners are used, it is simply rested against the scalp. The hair extension may or may not have a covering 50. During application, the user can optionally hold onto the gathering 40 below the head application loop 30 to position the hair extension as desired. The flexible element, defining the head application loop 30, is soft and makes for a comfortable application to the user's head.

A user could also position the hair extension 1 by holding the hair strands 10, the flexible or adhesive element 20, the head application loop 30, or a combination thereof. The hair extension 1 is portable and can be applied at any time. It is not necessary to have wet, damp, dry, straightened, curly, or wavy hair.

After the hair extension 1 is in place, FIG. 7 illustrates a preferable method of application from a rear perspective view of the hair extension. The hair 70 above the user's part 60 covers the head application loop 30 and combines with the hair strands 10.

After the hair extension 1 is in place, and the hair above the user's hair is gathered around the hair extension, FIG. 8 illustrates a preferable method of application from a rear perspective view of the hair extension. The hair 70 below the user's part is gathered together with the hair above the user's part to cover the head application loop. The hair 70 combines with the hair strands 10. The head application loop 30 is not visible once the hair is gathered around the hair strands.

FIG. 9 illustrates a preferable method from a rear perspective view of the hair extension in use. The hair 70 is gathered around the hair extension so that it combines with the hair strands 10. The hair and hair strand are held in place preferably with a band 80. At this point hair 70 and hair extension 1 can be gathered into ponytail, pigtail, braid, plait, bun, flip, chignon, messy bun, or topknot. The hair extension 1 can be applied at any location, high up, low down, on one side, of user's head; hair 70 would simply be parted 60 accordingly. More than one hair extension 1 can be used for more than one ponytail, pigtail, braid, plait, bun, flip, chignon, messy bun, or topknot.

The hair extension 1 can be cleaned with dry shampoo or in a washer, sink, tub, or basin with water, soap, cleaner, shampoo, conditioner, or a combination thereof. If the the hair strands 10 are comprised of real hair, the hair extension 1 can be coloured, treated, cut, straightened or curled.

The previous descriptions of the disclosed embodiments are provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. 

What is claimed:
 1. A hair extension comprising: a. a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end; and b. a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element and a second strand end wherein the first end of the flexible element is connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop.
 2. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the hair application loop is applicable to a user's head in the absence of any further fasteners.
 3. The hair extension of claim 1 wherein the flexible element further forms a covering, said covering extending over the head application loop.
 4. The hair extension of claim 1, further comprising a covering extending over the head application loop.
 5. A method of applying a hair extension to a user's head, said hair extension being flexible, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a hair extension comprising a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end and a length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible element and a second strand end, wherein the first end of the flexible element is connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop; b. dividing hair on the user's head, creating a part; c. applying the flexible fabric portion of the hair extension to the part; and d. gathering the hair the user's head over the hair extension to style as desired.
 6. A method of assembling a hair extension, the method comprising of the steps of: a. providing a length of hair strands having a first strand end and a second strand end; b. providing a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second end; c. affixing the first strand end of the hair strands to the flexible element; d. connecting the first end and second end of the flexible element to create a head application loop. 